Alexandra Malamud

One Mom’s Journey Through Stage III Ovarian Cancer

At just 38 years old, Plantation resident Alexandra “Allie” Malamud never imagined that abdominal pain would lead to a life-changing cancer diagnosis, especially just weeks before her wedding.

Allie first went to the emergency room in October 2025 after experiencing intense stomach pain for several days. By the third night, the pain had become too severe to keep managing at home.

“I felt like my insides were being ripped apart,” Allie said. “My fiancé and I decided it was time to get checked out by a professional.”

After being evaluated in another health system’s ER, she needed a higher level of care and was directed to Broward Health Medical Center, where doctors discovered two large, softball-sized tumors. After undergoing an emergency hysterectomy, done robotically, on October 14, 2025, Allie woke up to her fiancé waiting to tell her the devastating news: the tumors were cancerous.

“I was in complete shock; I couldn't believe it,” she said. “At my age, you just never expect cancer.”

Allie was diagnosed with Stage IIIA1 ovarian cancer and began chemotherapy weeks later, her first treatment scheduled only days before her wedding. Her regimen included six rounds of chemotherapy over nearly six months, administered every three weeks.

“Allie’s story highlights the unexpected ways ovarian cancer can present, and the importance of seeking medical attention when symptoms become severe,” said Scott Jordan, M.D., gynecologic oncologist with the Broward Health Physician Group. “The disease is often diagnosed at later stages because early symptoms, like bloating, feeling extremely full and abdominal pain, can mimic other, less serious conditions.”

Despite it all, Allie walked down the aisle and married her husband in November 2025. Just a few days later, her hair started falling out. That loss was especially difficult for Allie, who had worn her hair down to her waist for most of her life. Still, she found perspective.

“I want my hair back, of course, but I'm a mom, I'm a wife,” Allie said. “Hair is just a temporary part of the journey. I will do anything and everything to be here for my family.”

Today, Allie is in remission and currently has no evidence of recurrence, though she continues maintenance treatment. She is now enrolled in NRG-GY036, a clinical trial at Broward Health that aims to evaluate whether her maintenance treatment can safely be shortened from two years to one year. The trial is focused on patients with Stage III or IV ovarian cancer who have specific genetic or molecular characteristics, including a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation or homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Her current regimen includes an infusion every three weeks, oral medication twice daily and CT scans every three months to monitor her health.

Having access to a clinical trial close to home has been an important part of her journey, and she credits Dr. Jordan, his team and the Infusion Center staff for their support throughout her surgery, chemotherapy and ongoing care.

Dr. Jordan's advice to other women is simple.

“Keep up with your regular medical appointments,” he said. “Routine visits give your doctor an opportunity to check for persistent or unusual symptoms. If something seems concerning, having it evaluated sooner can help identify cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective and outcomes are often better.”

Allie looks forward to the day she can grow her hair long again, but until then, she stays active with her three sons, including her youngest, a boisterous 4-year-old, and is counting down to her and her husband's first wedding anniversary.